Reading threads and posts when selling and buying

Not the only one. Threads are sometimes deleted.

If someone wants to know what I have in my system they can ask me when they inquire about what I have listed for sale or what I may be interested in buying from them. I sometimes mention what gear I have used the component with
when selling something.

I agree with Elizabeth also.(PITA).

Some of us may want to keep a little something left to the imagination:>)

Audiogon is a community, on-line, but still a community. One attribute of a community is the concept of sharing /reciprocity. If someone on Audiogon doesn't want to share their system with fellow Audiogon community members, so be it. I'm sure they have their reasons and who am I to judge their validity? But when it comes to doing a financial transaction with one of these people I'd be a wary. Buying/selling is about give and take and I would be dealing with a non-reciprocating person.

That said, if I really want to buy/sell something it's just another factor, not and overriding concern.

Obviously, feedback is the first stop. Aside from the obvious posiitives vs negatives, the ratio of buys to sells can hint at whether someone is an enthusiast or a mercenary reseller.

I always read as many of the threads as I possibly can, preferably all of them.

Then, I Google their name, nickname, zip code and/or email address in as many possible permutations with anything else I can mine from their threads.

It then becomes pretty clear if someone might be

fraudulent or unethical (the worst possible counterparty)

a jaded, cynical, mercenary professional trying to minimize time and maximize dollars in every transaction
(almost as bad)

or

a thoughtful, considerate, enthusiastic audiophile who may only be selling to raise cash or upgrade (the best possible situation.)

For those of you who may be the first two categories, I will also ask WHY ARE YOU SELLING?

I know I know I know what does any of this have to do with anything?